The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Civil Rights Division (CRD) places emphasis on Equal Opportunity for the Agency’s employees and program customers. CRD strives to uphold the civil and constitutional rights of all Americans, particularly some of the most vulnerable groups of society. Every employee, applicant, and customer must be treated fairly, equitably, and with dignity and respect.

CRD enforces federal statutes prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital or family status, political beliefs, parental status, protected genetic information, or reprisal (retaliation) for prior EEO activity. Unlawful discrimination in any form will not be tolerated.

NRCS Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964

What's New in Civil Rights

*NEW Limited English Proficiency Plan - LEP Plan - This plan is geared toward fulfilling requirements of section 2 and 4 of Executive Order 13166, DR 4330-005, and subsequent guidance from the U.S.. Department of Justice (DOJ) on requirements for Federal agencies under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The overall objective of this plan is to take reasonable steps to ensure persons with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) gain meaningful access to NRCS services, federally conducted programs, and activities.

NEW Partnership and Responsibility – In an effort to fully comply with the Federal, Departmental and Agency governing Civil Rights regulation this check-list was developed to assist with the discussion of Civil Rights responsibilities and expectations with Natural Resources Conservation Service partners.

Electronic 230 Files - In accordance with Title 230, General Manual, Part 405, “Civil Rights Compliance in Program Delivery,” States and field offices must maintain files and related documentation on civil rights compliance in program delivery and equal employment opportunity. The NRCS Civil Rights Division (CRD) must determine whether each State’s civil rights EOP Title 230 files have been established and maintained pursuant to Departmental Regulation 4330-001, Procedures for Processing Discrimination Complaints and Conducting Civil Rights Compliance Reviews in USDA Conducted Programs and Activities.

The Department has announced a pilot Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Implementation for Civil Rights Program Complaints. Program ADR is an effect to mediate, conciliate and settle program discrimination complaints before they proceed to the investigation phase.